With revenue contributions of over £4.5 billion GDP to the UK economy but a talent pool that is running dry, the impending skills crisis within the engineering sector poses a potentially devastating threat for the wider economy. This can only be tackled through the implementation of framework designed to engage the next generation with the support of government, training providers and businesses.

With this in mind, the organisers of SkillFRIDGE – the RACHP focused competition within the WorldSkills portfolio, a government-led initiative designed to champion apprenticeships and technical skills development programmes – are delighted to reveal that industry giant Toshiba Carrier UK has pledged its support to the competition in a landmark two-year deal as lead brand sponsor.

Commenting on the continued support of the initiative David Dunn, managing director of Toshiba Air Conditioning and CIAT UK, says: “As a global leader in high efficiency, high performance air conditioning, we have a key role in supporting and encouraging the industry to improve the level of knowledge and technical skills.”

David Dunn with SkillFRIDGE 2017 winner Jack Culhane

Dunn continues: “SkillFRIDGE is a fantastic initiative – it challenges young trainees to improve their skills and knowledge, and rewards the pursuit of excellence. Toshiba Carrier UK is committed to raising standards and our support for SkillFRIDGE over many years is part of our long-term strategy aimed at raising skill levels. Our involvement allows us to highlight the advantages of having the highest level and best quality training.”

“We very much look forward to the series of SkillFRIDGE events around the UK. We applaud the young engineers stepping forward to compete and wish them all the very best in the regional heats and the finals to come.”

A number of other brands have committed their support to the 2018 edition of SkillFRIDGE, including A-Gas, Advanced Engineering, Dean & Wood, Fieldpiece, Safeflame and Vulkan Lokring.

The competition also receives the backing of key industry training providers Business Edge, ACR Training and the Building Engineering Services Association (BESA).

Tony Howard, director of training at BESA – which this year will be presenting a special accolade to the highest scoring competitor from the regional heats – says: “Here at BESA Training we always strive to recognise the efforts that our apprentices make to not just ‘get an apprenticeship’ but to become the best in their year group. Alongside our own Awards, we welcome the opportunity to support them and SkillFRIDGE on the national and international stage.”

A number of industry associations have also put their weight behind the skills competition, including the Federation of Environmental Trade Associations (FETA), the Institute of Refrigeration (IOR), The Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining (IOM3) and REFCOM – the UK’s market leading F gas certification body.

Head of REFCOM Graeme Fox says: “REFCOM is delighted to support the SkillFRIDGE competition for a second year, demonstrating our commitment to raising standards throughout the sector. With an ageing workforce it is essential that the whole sector supports the cream of talent coming through the education system, and REFCOM is dedicated to supporting the young engineers and their employers taking part, helping them to become the best of the best.”

Sponsoring or supporting the SkillFRIDGE competition is an opportunity for brands to align with the up and coming generation of outstanding engineers while showcasing the quality of the products and services they offer.

To find out how your brand can benefit from this unique platform, contact Karena Cooper on 01622 699 150 or at kcooper@datateam.co.uk.